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Stella Steinar #1
Monad 12.21.12: The Awakening of Stella Steinar
Stella Steinar isn't concerned with the rumored menacing date of December 21, 2012 looming just around the corner. The adopted but privileged daughter of two renowned scientists is embarking on a new chapter in her life. Ignoring her steadily increasing headaches and visions, Stella is anxious to leave everything in Minnesota behind and anonymously begin again. Headed for Berkeley, fate has other plans for her. What's about to happen in California will change everything she knows about herself and the world--forever. MONAD, the largest scientific research firm in the world, seems to be hiding a top-secret project. And who is in charge? Stella's adoptive father and Berkeley alumni , Dr. Erling Steinar. On her quest for the truth, Stella finds herself deeply entwined in the project--but is it too late? Will she have time to change the future and escape her inevitable destiny? From meeting the family she's always wished for, to exploring her spiritual beliefs surrounding life and death--follow Stella's story as it takes mysterious loops through time and reality.
215 pages, Paperback
First published August 22, 2011
2 people are currently reading
712 people want to read
About the author
T. Anderson
2 books34 followerswriter.
dog mother.
wife.
daughter.
sister.
aunt.
friend.
neighbor.
artist.
farmer.
potter.
yogini.
student.
teacher.
seeker of truth.
dog mother.
wife.
daughter.
sister.
aunt.
friend.
neighbor.
artist.
farmer.
potter.
yogini.
student.
teacher.
seeker of truth.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
February 3, 2025
I won, I won! I'll be reading this sometime after it arrives in the mail and before I die. I'm sorry that I can't be more specific than that right now; I work in a library and that makes my book selections pretty unpredictable. Definitely looking forward to it, so I'm hoping it'll come up in the list on the near side of things…
[EDIT 2/3/2025:] Nope, not on the near side of things. Apologies to the author, who wrote a note specifically asking me to move this up my list because word of mouth is part of her marketing strategy. I didn't find that note until I opened this up to start reading it about 2 months ago (give or take). Two months! (I'm pretty sure I started it Thanksgiving weekend, but also I could be totally wrong...) Partly, I read a lot of Christmas stuff at Christmastime, so I let this one wait. Also, I paused for two weeks to wait for the pages to dry after accidentally soaking half the book. But really, I just struggled to engage with the story. I mean, I kind of love the idea of reincarnation, especially if we could remember and learn from those past lives (though I also think knowing our past lives would be weird and bad and even more confusing than one life), but this book just didn't do it for me. I would read a chapter and be glad when I reached the end so I could put the book down. I started reading larger chunks as I got deeper into the book, partly because I was finally starting to invest in the story, but also because the end was getting closer. Now I've reached the end and the twist has me planning to read the next book, but only because Anderson sent book 2 when she sent book 1. Full disclosure, my lack of enjoyment here may not be entirely related to the book itself. I've been struggling with a lot more than just reading, so my own emotional difficulties are very likely coloring my experience of this book, so don't let my lackluster experience dissuade you from a book that otherwise sounds right up your alley. (But do be prepared for some sub-par proofing. Sometimes I wish proofreading was a job that I could make work for me...)
[EDIT 2/3/2025:] Nope, not on the near side of things. Apologies to the author, who wrote a note specifically asking me to move this up my list because word of mouth is part of her marketing strategy. I didn't find that note until I opened this up to start reading it about 2 months ago (give or take). Two months! (I'm pretty sure I started it Thanksgiving weekend, but also I could be totally wrong...) Partly, I read a lot of Christmas stuff at Christmastime, so I let this one wait. Also, I paused for two weeks to wait for the pages to dry after accidentally soaking half the book. But really, I just struggled to engage with the story. I mean, I kind of love the idea of reincarnation, especially if we could remember and learn from those past lives (though I also think knowing our past lives would be weird and bad and even more confusing than one life), but this book just didn't do it for me. I would read a chapter and be glad when I reached the end so I could put the book down. I started reading larger chunks as I got deeper into the book, partly because I was finally starting to invest in the story, but also because the end was getting closer. Now I've reached the end and the twist has me planning to read the next book, but only because Anderson sent book 2 when she sent book 1. Full disclosure, my lack of enjoyment here may not be entirely related to the book itself. I've been struggling with a lot more than just reading, so my own emotional difficulties are very likely coloring my experience of this book, so don't let my lackluster experience dissuade you from a book that otherwise sounds right up your alley. (But do be prepared for some sub-par proofing. Sometimes I wish proofreading was a job that I could make work for me...)
October 23, 2011
What's your deal? Science fiction? Mythology? Spirituality? Psychology? Ms. Anderson seamlessly wove all of these things together in her very fascinating debut novel, "The Awakening of Stella Steinar."
For centuries, science and spirituality have battled each other for a place of priority in society. It is exasperating for people like myself to watch this battle wage on -- knowing that there never has been, and never will be, a clear winner -- but also extremely refreshing to read stories like this one, in which science and spirituality come together for the betterment of humanity.
This story is an exploration about the possibility of reincarnation, and what might happen if we developed the technology to force reincarnation, rather than let it happen naturally. What if that technology fell into the wrong hands? Could evil people gain a permanent foothold in this world? And if they did, how could they be stopped? Is there even any other use for this technology other than evil? What would you do if you were faced with that choice?
In addition to the philosophical contemplation that runs throughout the length of the novel, I was also very impressed with the level of creativity. This is not just a typical reincarnation story along the lines of, "Soul gets reincarnated and finds lost lover" or "Soul gets reincarnated to save the world." Those themes are in there to some extent, but they are not driving the plot. The author has taken a completely new perspective on reincarnation -- but I will leave that up to the curious reader to discover for him/herself.
I am very excited to support this emerging author and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series!
For centuries, science and spirituality have battled each other for a place of priority in society. It is exasperating for people like myself to watch this battle wage on -- knowing that there never has been, and never will be, a clear winner -- but also extremely refreshing to read stories like this one, in which science and spirituality come together for the betterment of humanity.
This story is an exploration about the possibility of reincarnation, and what might happen if we developed the technology to force reincarnation, rather than let it happen naturally. What if that technology fell into the wrong hands? Could evil people gain a permanent foothold in this world? And if they did, how could they be stopped? Is there even any other use for this technology other than evil? What would you do if you were faced with that choice?
In addition to the philosophical contemplation that runs throughout the length of the novel, I was also very impressed with the level of creativity. This is not just a typical reincarnation story along the lines of, "Soul gets reincarnated and finds lost lover" or "Soul gets reincarnated to save the world." Those themes are in there to some extent, but they are not driving the plot. The author has taken a completely new perspective on reincarnation -- but I will leave that up to the curious reader to discover for him/herself.
I am very excited to support this emerging author and I look forward to reading the next installment in the series!
July 27, 2012
I critiqued this book, while reading, not truly believing the comradely of two sisters meeting for the first time and accepting their circumstances in life events, and death, without question. Not until the end did I find the answer to the questions that I, the reader, had throughout the book. Very surprising ending, but also an ending that makes a person wonder what the unknown is for us who fall into a deep unconscious sleep.
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July 16, 2012I don't think it would be right to rate my own book. But I will say this: the next book, book 2, is almost finished!
October 6, 2011
Stella Steiner is looking forward to leaving her hometown in Minnesota to attend Berkley in California. Stella just wants to start anew and forget about the intense headaches and visions she experiences. There is no way that she can stop these visions, but she has been lying to her adoptive parents by pretending she rarely experiences them anymore. Stella’s parents are researchers for MONAD, the largest scientific research firm in the world. At Berkley, Stella finds herself reunited with her biological family and learns the truth about her visions. When Stella might be the living proof that immortality can be obtained, she will have to keep herself safe from MONAD. But whom can she really trust? When Stella’s fate seems to be unpreventable, she will have to delve deep into the past to understand her future.
This book was unlike most of the books I read and I thought it was a refreshing change for me. The plot is fast paced and original. The spiritual elements and metaphysical themes of the book were interesting and I gained some insight about Buddhism and Scandinavian culture. The reincarnation plotline was captivating, as were the implications of what that would mean for humanity. The first and last chapters were written in the first person, while the majority of the book is written in third person. Choosing the third person was a good call, since it read smoothly and worked better with the alternating perspectives. I liked Stella and Aron and their instant connection with each other. I wanted to know more about them (especially Aron) and their lives before they met each other. Dane never felt like he had much depth, and I hope that his character is developed more in the upcoming books in this series. I liked how the motifs and allegiances of some of the characters weren’t always clear, and that kept me guessing. The ending was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, The Awakening of Stella Steinar had a creative and original premise and an attention-grabbing storyline. I found a lot of the topics in this book interesting, but I was left craving more information about the main characters. The fast paced plot kept me engaged and interested. Unique and creative, The Awakening of Stella Steinar was unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
Thank you T. Anderson for sending me a copy to review.
3.5/5
"My name will always be Stella. And my fate will always be the same."
This book was unlike most of the books I read and I thought it was a refreshing change for me. The plot is fast paced and original. The spiritual elements and metaphysical themes of the book were interesting and I gained some insight about Buddhism and Scandinavian culture. The reincarnation plotline was captivating, as were the implications of what that would mean for humanity. The first and last chapters were written in the first person, while the majority of the book is written in third person. Choosing the third person was a good call, since it read smoothly and worked better with the alternating perspectives. I liked Stella and Aron and their instant connection with each other. I wanted to know more about them (especially Aron) and their lives before they met each other. Dane never felt like he had much depth, and I hope that his character is developed more in the upcoming books in this series. I liked how the motifs and allegiances of some of the characters weren’t always clear, and that kept me guessing. The ending was unpredictable and kept me on the edge of my seat.
Overall, The Awakening of Stella Steinar had a creative and original premise and an attention-grabbing storyline. I found a lot of the topics in this book interesting, but I was left craving more information about the main characters. The fast paced plot kept me engaged and interested. Unique and creative, The Awakening of Stella Steinar was unlike anything I’ve ever read before.
Thank you T. Anderson for sending me a copy to review.
3.5/5
"My name will always be Stella. And my fate will always be the same."
October 7, 2012
Wow! I'm not even sure how to begin! I loved, LOVED this book. I will admit, it took a couple chapters to really draw me into the story. This book is very fast paced and it was never at a loss for something exciting happening.
Stella just wants to live a normal life. She leaves home to attend college expecting to finally be free of her parents. She soon realizes that a "normal life" just isn't in the stars for her. She discovers she has a completely new family, including a twin sister named Aron. She slowly begins to remember bits and pieces from past lives and realizes just how involved she is in her fathers research. Will she figure it all out in time? Or will she be forced to start all over again in a new life?
I felt like we could have learned a little more about all the different characters. This book dove so fast into the plot of the story that it felt a little lacking with Stella and Aron's backgrounds. I have read that we will learn more about them in the next book though! I can't wait for that!
Monad is unlike any book I've read before. It touches on so many different spiritual aspects. Buddhism Reincarnation, Folklore. While these things are fascinating to me, I've never been able to actually sit through an entire book that focuses on those subjects. The way that Ms. Anderson intertwined these into the story line was brilliant! I felt like I learned so much about the different cultures.
I was in no way prepared for the ending. It came as a complete shock to me! And what a cliffhanger! It feels like one of those crazy, twist endings to the first season of your favorite tv show. The torture of the following months (let's hope only months!) until we can find out what happens next! Amazing work!
If you have not read The Awakening of Stella Steinar yet, what are you waiting for?! This is one of those books you can't pass up! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
Stella just wants to live a normal life. She leaves home to attend college expecting to finally be free of her parents. She soon realizes that a "normal life" just isn't in the stars for her. She discovers she has a completely new family, including a twin sister named Aron. She slowly begins to remember bits and pieces from past lives and realizes just how involved she is in her fathers research. Will she figure it all out in time? Or will she be forced to start all over again in a new life?
I felt like we could have learned a little more about all the different characters. This book dove so fast into the plot of the story that it felt a little lacking with Stella and Aron's backgrounds. I have read that we will learn more about them in the next book though! I can't wait for that!
Monad is unlike any book I've read before. It touches on so many different spiritual aspects. Buddhism Reincarnation, Folklore. While these things are fascinating to me, I've never been able to actually sit through an entire book that focuses on those subjects. The way that Ms. Anderson intertwined these into the story line was brilliant! I felt like I learned so much about the different cultures.
I was in no way prepared for the ending. It came as a complete shock to me! And what a cliffhanger! It feels like one of those crazy, twist endings to the first season of your favorite tv show. The torture of the following months (let's hope only months!) until we can find out what happens next! Amazing work!
If you have not read The Awakening of Stella Steinar yet, what are you waiting for?! This is one of those books you can't pass up! I guarantee you will not be disappointed!
November 2, 2011
With headaches and visions making her life miserable, Stella can't wait to go to school in California and start a new chapter in her life. Her adoptive parents are scientists in charge of Monad, the largest scientific research firm in the world. In California, Stella discovers, not only her biological family, but that she's a major part of Monad's research. There's more to her visions than she first thought. You see, Stella is the living proof of reincarnation and must keep herself safe. But whom can she really trust? She will have to dig through the past in order to figure out her future.
This book offers a spiritual and adventurous journey. I love how the author briefly explores the consequences of reincarnation for mankind. The author takes reincarnation to a whole new level. The storyline is very clever and original. It kept me guessing until the end. Some moments truly shocked me and I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next. The writing is amazing. The first few lines grab your attention and the ending leaves you begging for more.
I love how the book starts with two different narrators and then both characters meet each other and discover their past and how they're related. I also love how they instantly connect like they know each other and take care of one another. There's also a bit of romance between Dane, who's job consists of protecting both girls, and one of the girls. At the beginning of the book, I told the author I was predicting a love triangle but I'll let you find out for yourself. It's really hard to talk about the book without giving away any spoilers so trust me on this one, Monad 12.21.12 : The Awakening of Stella Steinar is an excellent read! The story is so captivating you'll never want it to end!
This book offers a spiritual and adventurous journey. I love how the author briefly explores the consequences of reincarnation for mankind. The author takes reincarnation to a whole new level. The storyline is very clever and original. It kept me guessing until the end. Some moments truly shocked me and I just couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out what would happen next. The writing is amazing. The first few lines grab your attention and the ending leaves you begging for more.
I love how the book starts with two different narrators and then both characters meet each other and discover their past and how they're related. I also love how they instantly connect like they know each other and take care of one another. There's also a bit of romance between Dane, who's job consists of protecting both girls, and one of the girls. At the beginning of the book, I told the author I was predicting a love triangle but I'll let you find out for yourself. It's really hard to talk about the book without giving away any spoilers so trust me on this one, Monad 12.21.12 : The Awakening of Stella Steinar is an excellent read! The story is so captivating you'll never want it to end!
October 18, 2011
I feel like I should split this book in two and review each half. The first half I didn't really enjoy, but the second half was quite good.
My issue with the first half was the lack of response or reaction the characters had to everything that was happening. At one point, there are a group of people telling a story, and it just felt unreal. The narrators were very clinical and unemotional in the telling, and the listeners just took it in without any reaction. It felt weird. There should have been a lot of reaction from the listeners, if nothing else.
The second half felt quite different. It was much more complex, with very interesting mythology and beliefs woven into the story. Stella in particular seemed to take on an ethereal feel.
I greatly appreciated how the mythology and religious beliefs were woven into the story. There was lots of information given, and lots of stances taken, but nothing really jumped out. There were no lectures or sermons, everything was portrayed quite seamlessly within the story.
This is almost, but not quite, a clean read. There are a few curse words used, but there is no graphic violence or sex.
My issue with the first half was the lack of response or reaction the characters had to everything that was happening. At one point, there are a group of people telling a story, and it just felt unreal. The narrators were very clinical and unemotional in the telling, and the listeners just took it in without any reaction. It felt weird. There should have been a lot of reaction from the listeners, if nothing else.
The second half felt quite different. It was much more complex, with very interesting mythology and beliefs woven into the story. Stella in particular seemed to take on an ethereal feel.
I greatly appreciated how the mythology and religious beliefs were woven into the story. There was lots of information given, and lots of stances taken, but nothing really jumped out. There were no lectures or sermons, everything was portrayed quite seamlessly within the story.
This is almost, but not quite, a clean read. There are a few curse words used, but there is no graphic violence or sex.
December 2, 2011
Like one of the previous reviews, I would have preferred to have split this book in two for a review. I found the first half (the setting up of characters and background information) a bit of a struggle to get through. There was the tale of Stella and Air, Dane and his instant live for the twins, and both sets of parents. Not to mention the Prof who plays a really important part in the novel. Once I got to the part where Stella needs to be on her own to become "we" I couldn't put the book down. Full of adventure and fast-paced, I'd like to read the next part to see where Stella travels to, and to see her meet up with Air again.
July 18, 2012
WoW! Absolutely loved this book! This had all the elements in it I love. Spirituality, religion, a little science, fate, reincarnation - extraordinary.
It's the story of Stella's reincarnated life - but can she change fate? Stella is the product of a scientific group seeking the ability to reincarnate people. Wouldn't life be better if we could remember our past lives? or would it? It's about changing your fate - or can you? The book was well written in an easy style, the characters are real and the ending was well - frustrating!! It ended!! I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I got Monad from ENT for $0.00 - I would purchase the next book - it's that great!!
It's the story of Stella's reincarnated life - but can she change fate? Stella is the product of a scientific group seeking the ability to reincarnate people. Wouldn't life be better if we could remember our past lives? or would it? It's about changing your fate - or can you? The book was well written in an easy style, the characters are real and the ending was well - frustrating!! It ended!! I cannot wait until the next book comes out. I got Monad from ENT for $0.00 - I would purchase the next book - it's that great!!
March 15, 2012
Dealing with themes involving spirituality and re-birth, Monad 12.21.12 is a very good and quick read. I found myself wanting to know what was going to happen next as I truly had no idea what was going on - predictable is something that this story is not.
The ending completely threw me for a loop but in a good way. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series to see what happens next.
The ending completely threw me for a loop but in a good way. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series to see what happens next.
May 19, 2012
Loved this book. I would highly recommend this to anyone who is interested in thinking "outside the box". It lingers on your mind for days leaving you questioning "what if?". Bravo to the author T Anderson. She are very talented. I am looking forward to reading more from her.
September 22, 2011
This book grabs you from the first page. Loved it.
October 5, 2011
Loved this book with a great story and great writing. Like any good book, I couldn't wait to finish it... but was left wanting more. I can't wait to read what happens next!
January 2, 2014
I received a free copy of MONAD: The Awakening of Stella Steinar through a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.
MONAD: The Awakening of Stella Steinar is an interesting tale, but it meets some stumbling blocks in its execution. Author T. Anderson writes in third person omniscient, which in and of itself is fine. However, Anderson liberally gives away plot points that would have been better left for the reader to either figure out independently or find out later with another character. Anderson also has a habit of stating things outright – telling, rather than showing – and that writing style does nothing to foster a connection with the characters in the reader's mind. To take in a story with such a variety of characters and so much at stake, yet feel like a mere spectator, is disappointing.
MONAD: The Awakening of Stella Steinar is an interesting tale, but it meets some stumbling blocks in its execution. Author T. Anderson writes in third person omniscient, which in and of itself is fine. However, Anderson liberally gives away plot points that would have been better left for the reader to either figure out independently or find out later with another character. Anderson also has a habit of stating things outright – telling, rather than showing – and that writing style does nothing to foster a connection with the characters in the reader's mind. To take in a story with such a variety of characters and so much at stake, yet feel like a mere spectator, is disappointing.
October 16, 2014
Great concept. Fascinating story. Great twists and one heck of a cliff-hanger! However, the way it was written wasn't my piece of cake, therefore, it did take a bit of determination to get through. Cliff-hanger was so intense I might read the sequel :D
January 12, 2012
Certainly a weird book , the second half was better than the first , but the ending ?????
May 28, 2012
This should have gotten a 4-star rating but the ending threw me. Wasn't what I expected.
August 20, 2012
looks and sounds awesome...
March 13, 2013
I found the pacing and writing style clunky. And sometimes the plot too.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews